Argentina’s Political and Social Upheaval: 1918-1930
The Infamous Decade (1930-1943)
Causes of the 1930 Revolution:
- Argentina’s “Upset” Double Life and Criticism: The period faced criticism and was dubbed the “Infamous Decade” due to political instability and social unrest.
- Rise of Right-Wing Nationalism: This ideology, with its emphasis on Hispanic values, challenged the principle of constitutional legitimacy, advocating for military intervention.
- Strong Opposition: The revolution faced resistance from various sectors, including economically powerful groups, newspapers, magazines, the Chamber of Deputies (91 against 17), the Chamber of Senators (19 against 7), the judiciary, several provinces, and the Armed Forces.
- Shift in Military Mindset: After 70 years of constitutional presidents and military abstention, the military’s stance changed. Military reforms, such as compulsory military service, sub-officer schools, and the Escuela Superior de Guerra, had contributed to military professionalism. However, these reforms were neglected by Yrigoyen, who later sought to regain military support by modifying regulations, reinstating discharged personnel, granting pensions, and appointing a civilian as Minister of War. This led to dissent within the military, particularly among officers at the San Martín Lodge.
- Increased Military Spending without Equipment Upgrades: Despite increased military spending, there was a lack of investment in equipment modernization.
- Decline of the Agricultural Sector: The agricultural sector, once a dominant force, experienced a decline in production and technical development. Falling exports of temperate products led to decreased foreign exchange earnings.
- Pressures of Urbanization: Growing urbanization brought new challenges, including infrastructure deficiencies and social tensions.
- Economic Hardship: The country faced economic difficulties, including cessation of payments, suspension of public works, and delays in salary payments.
- Influence of Foreign Interests: With 55.5% of resources coming from customs, Argentina was heavily reliant on foreign trade. The government’s reluctance to invest more in foreign debt repayment or seek further loans, coupled with a sharp reduction in external borrowing, fueled speculation about foreign influence, with some suggesting that Standard Oil financed the revolution.
- Decline of Yrigoyen’s Leadership: At 76 years old during his second presidency, Yrigoyen’s leadership had weakened compared to his first term at 64. His decision-making became slower and less effective.
Key Events During Yrigoyen’s Presidency (1916-1922 & 1928-1930):
The Tragic Week (1919):
In December 1918, a strike erupted at the Pedro Vasena metal workshops in Nueva Pompeya, Buenos Aires. Workers demanded better wages and working conditions. On January 7, 1919, a police ambush resulted in the deaths of several workers. Their funeral transformed into a massive demonstration, which was also suppressed. Trade unions called for a general strike, leading to street clashes and barricades throughout the city. The military, police, and armed civilian groups, including the conservative-controlled Argentine Patriotic League, intervened to restore order, resulting in numerous casualties. President Yrigoyen eventually negotiated a favorable settlement with the strikers through his police chief and personal friend, Elpidio González. General Luis Dellepiane, commander of Campo de Mayo, was tasked with restoring order.
University Reform (1918):
In 1918, a reform movement began at the University of Córdoba, demanding changes in curricula, competitive selection for professorships, removal of certain faculty members, educational modernization, and tripartite governance (teachers, students, and graduates). On June 23, 1918, Alfredo Palacios led a demonstration of approximately 10,000 students organized by the Federación Universitaria de Córdoba. The demonstrations escalated into strikes, building takeovers, and clashes with police and church authorities. Yrigoyen’s government expressed sympathy for the reformers. The reform movement spread to other universities.
The Directory, Warlordism, and the Road to Independence (1816-1820):
The Directory (1815-1820):
Following the resignation of the Supreme Director, Carlos María de Alvear, a new Directory was formed, composed of José Rondeau, Ignacio Álvarez Thomas, and Antonio González Balcarce. Later, Juan Martín de Pueyrredón replaced Rondeau.
Congress of Tucumán (1816):
Under Pueyrredón’s leadership, a new Congress convened in Tucumán to declare independence and draft a constitution. On July 9, 1816, national independence was declared. The Congress also issued the Provisional Statute of 1817 and drafted the Constitution of 1819, which was rejected by the provinces.
Warlordism (1819-1820):
Internal struggles and the centralized power of Buenos Aires led to the emergence of regional leaders, or caudillos, who became symbols of resistance for the provinces. These leaders aimed to challenge Buenos Aires’ dominance and end the warlordism represented by the Directory. Control over the port, customs revenues, and Buenos Aires’ exclusive trade privileges became the focal point of conflicts that would continue until the early 1870s.
Rejection of the unitary Constitution of 1819 sparked a federalist reaction, particularly in the Littoral provinces. Troops from Entre Ríos, led by Francisco Ramírez, and Santa Fe, under Estanislao López, marched on Buenos Aires in October 1819. The Directory sought assistance from General Lecor, commander of the Portuguese forces occupying Montevideo. This action further aggravated the situation, leading to widespread opposition against the Directory. The northern army, ordered to confront the federalist leaders, revolted at the Santa Fe post of Arequito under the command of General Juan Bautista Bustos, who intended to sever Córdoba’s allegiance to Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires became a separate province, and its first governor, Manuel de Sarratea, sought to secure peace by signing the Treaty of Pilar on February 23, 1820, with the victorious caudillos, López and Ramírez. The treaty called for the establishment of a new central government, effectively dissolving the Directory.